With its rolling green hills, miles of vineyards, and history laden towns, Tuscany is at the top of many bucket lists. Just writing that sentence has taken me back to my travels through the region, and I can almost taste the Chianti and feel the warm Italian sun on my face. It is a region I adore, and I recommend that everyone visit. But not just Tuscany, I want you to take you through Maremma and Southern Tuscany.
Maremma, especially The Natural Park of Maremma, is one of the lushest areas of Tuscany. With some of the largest pastures, woodlands, olive groves, and vineyards in Southern Tuscany, it takes up a good part of the province of Grosseto. Amongst all of this beautiful scenery, there is a hotel property I cannot recommend enough, L’Andana. Nestled in the hills 20 km from the town of Grosseto, this historical Tuscan home was built in the early 1800’s by the Grand Duke of Tuscany. It has since been renovated to include all the comforts of home, while maintaining the building’s original elegance and charm.
But the property’s treasures don’t stop there! Located in the old granary is La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini, a Michelin Star restaurant run by Chef Enrico Bartolini. The restaurant is open exclusively for dinner, and serves authentic, contemporary classic Tuscan cuisine, paired with wines from the region.
L’Andana offers a range of room types, an amazing spa, two on-site restaurants, on-site childcare, and a myriad of other features. It is truly a perfect place to relax and explore. Experiences available include cooking classes, golf, wine and/or olive grove tours, and of course, that enchanting Tuscan sea!
And if it is culinary adventure you seek while at L’Andana, Hostaria del Ceccottino, in the nearby town of Pitigliano, serves up a superb traditional Tuscan meal, with a view to match. I highly advise taking a day trip to explore this amazing town, carved from volcanic stone. Local museums house remains from the Bronze Age, Neolithic times and even the Copper Age. If history and archeology appeal to you, this is a must-see location!
And while I’m sure there are those of you now thinking, “Wow, with 25 km of meandering shoreline and towns dating back to the Renaissance, there’s no need to leave Maremma!”
But there is so much more of Southern Tuscany to explore! Specifically, the seven islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago, including Giglio, Montecristo, and Elba, to which Napoleon was exiled in 1814. If you can manage it, all are worth a visit, but if your time allows you to pick just one, go to Giglio. It is the easiest to access, as it is closest to the coast, but it could not be further from mainland culture and terrain. You can easily go from the bustling port city of Giglio Porto, to a deserted beach or forest, thanks to the locals’ tireless efforts to preserve their home and way of life.
While I love L’Andana, there is a better home base for your island explorations, Hotel Il Pellicano. This beautiful property, tucked in the craggy seaside hills of Porto Ercole, boasts a private beach, a spa, a Michelin starred Chef, and its own private boats for hire.
After a long day spent exploring, or getting pampered at the spa, there are two restaurants that I suggest you visit. One, conveniently located on the hotel property, is Pellicano Restaurant. Serving up the best local, fresh ingredients in gourmet Italian fare, Pellicano Restaurant should not to be missed. But please note, it is the property’s fine dining establishment, so come prepared with your more elegant attire.
If you’re in the mood for a more casual evening, then Trattoria dei Frati is the place for you. Located just down the coast in Porto Santo Stefano, this delightful trattoria is known for its breathtaking view of the coast and its traditional Italian fare, just the way Nonna made it!
Southern Tuscany is one of my favorite places on our wonderful planet, and I hope it becomes one of yours soon! Ciao!
Hotel: L’Andana http://www.andana.it
Site: Tarot Garden http://ilgiardinodeitarocchi.it/en/
Restaurants:
Hostaria del Ceccottino/excursion from L’Andana to Pitgliano https://ceccottino.wordpress.com Trattoria at L’Andana http://www.andana.it/it/trattoria-toscana-enrico-bartolini.htm
Hotel: Il Pelicano http://www.pellicanohotels.com/hotel/il-pellicano/
Sites: Private boat to Giglio, Giannutri or Montecristo
Restaurants:
Pellicano Restaurant/elegant
Trattoria Frati/casual http://www.trattoriadaifrati.it